ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Innovations in Road Construction
Innovations in materials & construction process for road construction is a continuous process. Based on International best practices and outcome of indigenous research, new standards/guidelines are framed by Indian Roads Congress  and existing standards/guidelines of IRC are amended from time to time. MoRTH/NHAI have also issued policy guidelines on certain innovative materials/processes. Further new/innovative materials are accredited by IRC. All such materials and processes as allowed by IRC standards/guidelines, International Standards such as American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials , American Society for Testing of Materials , Euro Codes, British Codes as well as materials accredited by IRC are allowed in National Highways Projects. NH Projects are generally implemented on EPC/HAM/BOT modes where contractor/concessionaire carry out their own design in accordance with applicable manual, standards/guidelines/codes etc. and then these are reviewed/approved by AE/IE before its actual use in the Project.
Road Safety Audit  is an essential part of any National Highway development project. RSA is carried out at different stages namely during design, construction and before issue of completion certificate of the project.
Ministry vide its Notification No. RT-25043/03/2017-RS dated 19.12.2019 has created Member of Parliaments’ Road Safety Committee in each district of the country under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Member of Parliament  from the district. The terms of reference  of the Committee include monitoring of road safety activities, monitoring of road accidents data, reviewing and monitoring of identification & rectification of black spots, promoting road safety campaign etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Two new AIIMS for Jammu and Kashmir, One for Gujarat
People in the region will have Super specialty healthcare closer to their homes: J P Nadda
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for a proposal for establishing three new AIIMS at Vijaynagar, Samba, Jammu at a cost of Rs 1661 Crore; Awantipura,Pulwama, Kashmir at a cost of Rs 1828 Crore and Rajkot, Gujarat at a cost of Rs 1195 Crore.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership and constant support, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare said that the approval follows our Prime Minister’s vision and upholds the spirit of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas’. “Two new AIIMS,one each for Jammu Region and Kashmir Region in the State of Jammu & Kashmir was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister under the Prime Minister’s Development Package and AIIMS in Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech,” Shri Nadda added.
Shri Nadda further stated that setting up of new AIIMS would not only transform health education and training but will also address the shortfall of health care professionals in the region. The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super specialty health care to the population closer to their homes,while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions / facilities being created under National Health Mission . Construction of new AIIMS is fully funded by the Central Government. The Operations & Maintenance expenses on new AIIMS are also fully borne by the Central Government,” Shri Nadda elaborated.
Terming it historic, the Union Health Minister further said that setting up new AIIMS in the states will lead to employment generation for nearly 3000 people in various faculty & non faculty posts in each of the AIIMS. Indirect employment generation will take place due to facilities and services like shopping centre, canteens, etc. coming in the vicinity of new AIIMS. The construction activity involved for creation of the physical infrastructure for the various new AIIMS is also expected to generate substantial employment in the construction phase as well. ,”ShriNadda stated.
Shri Nadda further stated that each new AIIMS will add 100 UG  seats and 60 B.Sc seats, and the new AIIMS will have 15-20 Super Specialty Departments. “Each new AIIMS will add around 750 hospital beds.As per data of current functional AIIMS, it is expected that each new AIIMS would cater to around 1500 OPD patients per day and around 1000 IPD patients per month,” he mentioned.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
210.31 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
29,25,342 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 96,506
Active cases stand at 0.22%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.59%
9,680 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,37,33,624
8,586 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
88.31 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,91,281 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches on groups engaged in the business of Digital Marketing & Waste Management
The Income Tax Department initiated search and seizure operations in two groups based in several States on 12.10.2021.
The first group is engaged in digital marketing and campaign management wherein the search operations have been carried out at 7 premises located in Bengaluru, Surat, Chandigarh, and Mohali.
Incriminating evidence found reveals that the group has been engaged in obtaining accommodation entries using an entry operator. The entry operator has admitted to have facilitated transfer of cash and unaccounted income of the group through Hawala operators.
Inflation of expenditure and under-reporting of revenue has also been detected. The group has also been found to be indulging in unaccounted cash payments. It is also found that personal expenses of the directors have been booked as business expenses in the books of accounts. Luxurious vehicles used by the directors and their family members are found to have been purchased in the names of employees and entry provider.
The second group searched is engaged in Solid Waste Management comprising solid waste collection, transportation, processing and disposal services across the country, primarily catering to Indian municipalities.
During the course of the search, various incriminating documents, loose papers and digital evidences have been seized. Evidence found reveals that this group has indulged in booking of bogus bills for expenses and sub-contracts. A preliminary estimate of such bogus expenses booked is to the tune of Rs.70 crore.
The search action has led to the detection of unaccounted investment in property of about Rs. 7 crore. Apart from this, the search action has resulted in seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs. 1.95 crore and jewellery of Rs. 65 lakh.
Further investigations are in progress in both the groups.
Prime Minister's Office
Text of PM's address on the occasion of Dharma Chakra Day
Respected President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, other distinguished guests. Let me begin by conveying my greetings on Ashadha Poornima. It is also known as Guru Purnima. This is a day to remember our Gurus, who gave us knowledge. In that spirit, we pay homage to Lord Buddha.
I am happy that copies of the Mongolian Kanjur are being presented to the Government of Mongolia. The Mongolian Kanjur is widely respected in Mongolia. Most monasteries have a copy of it.
Friends, the eight-fold path of Lord Buddha shows the way towards the well-being of many societies and nations. It highlights the importance of compassion and kindness. The teachings of Lord Buddha celebrate simplicity both in thought and action. Buddhism teaches respect. Respect for people. Respect for the poor. Respect for women. Respect for peace and non-violence. Therefore, the teachings of Buddhism are the means to a sustainable planet.
Friends, in his very first sermon in Sarnath, and his teachings after that, Lord Buddha spoke on two things- hope and purpose. He saw a strong link between them. From hope comes a spirit of purpose. For Lord Buddha it was the removal of human suffering. We have to rise to the occasion and do whatever we can to increase hope among people.
Friends, I am very hopeful about the 21st century. This hope comes from my young friends- our youth. If you want to see a great example of how hope, innovation and compassion can remove suffering, it is our Start-up sector. Bright young minds are finding solutions to global problems. India has one of the largest start-up ecosystems.
I would urge my young friends to also stay connected with the thoughts of Lord Buddha. They will motivate and show the way ahead. At times,they will even calm you down or cheer you up. Infact, Lord Buddha's teaching of - अप्प: दीपो भव: , be your own guiding light is a wonderful management lesson.
Friends, today the world fights extraordinary challenges. To these challenges, lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha. They were relevant in the past. They are relevant in the present. And, they will remain relevant in the future.
Friends, it is the need of the hour to connect more and more people with Buddhist heritage sites. We in India have many such sites. You know how people also know my parliamentary constituency of Varanasi? As the home to Sarnath. We want to focus on connectivity to Buddhist sites. A few days back the Indian Cabinet announced that Kushinagar airport will be an international one. This would bring so many people, pilgrims and tourists. It would also generate economic opportunities for many.
India awaits you!
Friends, once again, my greetings to you all. May the thoughts of Lord Buddha further brightness, togetherness and brotherhood. May his blessings inspire us to do good.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
President's Secretariat
President of India pays homage to Shri V.V. Giri on his Birth Anniversary
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, paid homage to Shri V.V. Giri, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today . The President and officials of Rashtrapati Bhavan paid floral tributes in front of a portrait of Shri V.V. Giri.
Ministry of Defence
AIR MARSHAL RD MATHUR VISITS AIR FORCE STATION SALUA
Kolkata, July 25,2019
Air Marshal RD Mathur, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Indian Air force, paid his maiden visit to Air Force Station Salua, Kharagpore yesterday, 24 July 2019. The Air Marshal was accompanied by Smt Shipra Mathur, president Air Force Wives Welfare Association , Eastern Air Command. They were welcomed by Group Captain Sameer, Station Commander and Smt Pallavi Sameer, president Air Force Wives Welfare Association .
On arrival, the Air Marshal was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He was briefed about the station and units as well as ongoing major projects. The Air Marshal interacted with the station personnel and emphasized the strategic importance of the station. He appreciated their diligence, dedication to duty and exhorted them to remain operationally focused, physically fit, mentally agile in highest traditions of the IAF. He visited all sections, sites of ongoing projects and expressed his satisfaction on their progress. He advised the air warriors to remain vigilant in view of current scenario and exercise caution while using smart phones, other gadgets and social media.
Smt Shipra Mathur presided over a meeting with Vayu Sanginis and appreciated their welfare activities. She lauded the role of Sanginis in shouldering responsibilities at home as well as enabling the air-warriors to give their best to the nation.
CG
(Visitor Counter : 229
National Financial Reporting Authority
NFRA to introduce Annual Transparency Report by the Audit Firms
As a step towards enhancing the transparency about management and governance of audit firms and their internal policy framework to ensure high quality audits and preventing conflict of interest by maintaining independence, the National Financial Reporting Authority  has published draft requirements regarding preparation and publication of Annual Transparency Report  by auditors/audit firms.
These ATR requirements are on the lines of the contemporary international best practices implemented by certain prominent Independent Audit Regulators in other jurisdictions. Rule 8 of the NFRA Rules 2018 empowers the NFRA to require an auditor to report on its governance practices and internal processes designed to promote audit quality, protect its reputation and reduce risks including risk of failure of the auditor and may take such action on the report as may be necessary.
Indian companies have become significant constituents of the global economy and India has evolved as a global centre of excellence in the delivery of financial reporting and audit services to a large number of multi-national corporations raising expectations for sound and high quality codes and practices comparable to global benchmarks. In accordance with Rule 8 of the NFRA Rule 2018, NFRA intends prescribing publication of Annual Transparency Report containing certain critical information about the auditor’s operational activities, management, governance and ownership structures, and policies and procedures necessary to deliver high-quality audits etc.
The information contained in the ATR will be useful to the Investors, Audit Committees, Independent Directors and public at large.
The ATR requirements are proposed to be implemented in a gradual manner for PIEs starting with Statutory Auditors of Top 1000 Listed Companies  with effect from the financial year ending on 31 March 2023. The ATR has to be published within three months from the end of each financial year.
NFRA has also decided to seek public comments/suggestions on the contents of the ATR by 16 February 2023.
More details are available at:
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways rationalizes Passenger Fares
Measure to boost modernization and state of the art facilities to passengers of Indian Railways
Indian Railways has continuously endeavored to augment passenger experience through modernization and provision of improved facilities over trains and stations. The last fare revision over Indian Railways was done in 2014-15. In order to expand passenger amenities and facilities at railway stations and trains, it has become imperative to increase the fare marginally without over burdening any class of passengers. Further, the burden of 7th Pay Commission on Indian Railway has necessitated rationalization of fares. Fare revision will help in channelising the fast modernization of Indian Railway.
Accordingly, Railways has decided to marginally effect an increase in fare. Keeping the affordability concerns of daily commuters, there shall be no fare hike for passengers over suburban sections and season ticket holders. This class constitutes 66% of total passenger segment over Indian Railways. Even for the passengers traveling in Ordinary Non AC Classes, there shall be a marginal increase of 1 paise/PKM . The increase in fare will be on tickets bought on or after 1st January 2020 and no excess fare  will be charged from passengers who have booked tickets before 1st January 2020. The fare revision is as below:
- Ordinary Non-AC classes: Fare increase by 01 paise/PKM
- Mail/Exp Non-AC classes : Fare increase by 02 paise/PKM
- AC classes- Fare increase by 04 paise/PKM
- Suburban fare and Season tickets: No increase
Existing fares of train services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Mahamana, Gatiman, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Rajya Rani, Yuva Expresses, Suvidha and special trains on special charges, AC MEMU , AC DEMU  etc shall similarly be revised to the extent of the above proposed increase in class-wise fares.
There shall be no change in charges for reservation fee, superfast surcharge etc. Such charges, wherever applicable, shall continue to be levied additionally. GST as applicable shall be levied, as per instructions issued from time to time.
Indian Railways is constantly striving for up-gradation of amenities to passengers, modernising railway stations and providing state-of-the-art facilities on board and off -board. Rationalisation of passenger fares will boost the endeavours of Indian Railways in the same direction.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
One District One Product
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries  under Centrally Sponsored Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme , provides financial, technical and business support for upgradation of existing micro food processing enterprises. The scheme adopts One District One Product  approach to reap the benefits of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products. ODOP for the scheme has framework for value chain development and alignment of support infrastructure. This scheme is being implemented for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crores. ODOP for 707 districts of 35 State/UTs have been approved by the MOFPI. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through One District One Focus Produce  for 728 districts of 36 States/UTs converge resources towards ODOP from ongoing centrally sponsored schemes such as Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture , National Food Security Mission , Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana , Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana , schemes of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
State Level Up-gradation Plan  by all States/UTs is based on Agriculture production of ODOPs, industrial scenario, market availability etc. It enables the States to identify its product clusters, market linkages, stakeholders, requirement of skill development for beneficiaries, infrastructure support, financial linkages etc.
Identifying district specific products would lead to the following benefits to the micro food processing entrepreneurs:
- Increased access to credit by existing Micro Food Processing entrepreneurs, FPOs, Self Help Groups and Co-operatives;
- Integration with organized supply chain by strengthening branding & marketing;
- Support for transition of existing 2,00,000 enterprises into formal framework;
- Increased access to common services like common processing facility, laboratories, storage, packaging, marketing and incubation services;
- Strengthening of institutions, research and training in the food processing sector; and
- Empowers SC, ST and Women Entrepreneurs as the scheme lays special focus on SC, ST and women entrepreneurs.
- Increased access for the enterprises, to professional and technical support.
The scheme envisages strengthening backward and forward linkages, provision of common facilities, incubation centres, training, research and development , marketing and branding. The enhanced capacity of processing and value addition in agriculture and allied sector products will lead to a better price realization for the farmers. The identified products have potential for both domestic demand and export and will be promoted in a cluster approach through the converged resources of the Government of India.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog Releases Report ‘Investment Opportunities in India’s Healthcare Sector’
Report Outlines the Wide Array of Investment Opportunities in Various Segments of India’s Healthcare Sector
NITI Aayog today released a report outlining the range of investment opportunities in various segments of India’s healthcare sector, including hospitals, medical devices and equipment, health insurance, telemedicine, home healthcare and medical value travel.
The report was released by NITI Aayog Member Dr VK Paul, CEO Amitabh Kant, and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal.
India’s healthcare industry has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of around 22% since 2016. At this rate, it is expected to reach USD 372 billion in 2022. Healthcare has become one of the largest sectors of the Indian economy, in terms of both revenue and employment.
“Several factors are driving the growth of the Indian healthcare sector, including an aging population, a growing middle class, the rising proportion of lifestyle diseases, an increased emphasis on public-private partnerships as well as accelerated adoption of digital technologies. The Covid-19 pandemic has not only presented challenges but also several opportunities for India to grow. All these factors, together make India’s healthcare industry ripe for investment,” wrote NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant in the foreword.
In the first section, this report provides an overview of India’s healthcare sector, including insights about its employment generation potential, the prevailing business and investment climate as well as the overarching policy landscape. The second section highlights the key drivers of growth for the sector and the third elaborates upon the enabling policies and investment opportunities in seven key segments—hospitals and infrastructure, health insurance, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical devices, medical tourism, home healthcare as well as telemedicine and other technology-related health services.
In the hospital segment, the expansion of private players to tier-2 and tier-3 locations, beyond metropolitan cities, offers an attractive investment opportunity. With respect to pharmaceuticals, India can boost domestic manufacturing, supported by recent Government schemes with performance-linked incentives, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. In the medical devices and equipment segment, expansion of diagnostic and pathology centres as well as miniaturized diagnostics have high potential for growth. Further, medical value travel, especially wellness tourism, has bright prospects, given India’s inherent strengths in alternative systems of medicine. Technology advancements such as Artificial Intelligence , wearables and other mobile technologies, along with Internet of Things, also offer numerous avenues for investment.
The full document can be accessed here: https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-03/InvestmentOpportunities_HealthcareSector_0.pdf